If my husband ever had to worry about another man in my life. His name would be Joe and he is in the grocery business! I was able to go to the Cities overnight two weeks ago to shop with my sister while she was training for a new job. We went all over the Cities shopping for clothes one day, stayed overnight in a hotel, and then the next day I went to Trader Joe’s before heading back up north! I had honestly not been in Trader Joe’s for over…..(gasp) 5 months! We used to take a homeschool field trip once a month to either the Cities or Rochester just to get in a Trader Joe’s shopping spree. I have been known not to bake if I did not have any of their butter left in my fridge/freezer.
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- Largest TJ’s shopping trip ever for me…over 2 carts!
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- How did they know my favorite snack?
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- Some of my favorite TJ’s items….not used together!
Since moving 5 hours north to Castle Danger away from Mapleton, I had somehow convinced myself I could make due with Super One, Sam’s Club, Thrive Market, and Amazon. What was I honestly thinking? Trader Joe’s is an experience like no other. Most of the time when I go grocery shopping for my family of 6, I stress about my list and budget and dread getting groceries yet again. I realized about 10 minutes into my reunion with Trader Joe’s, that I was happily “silently” humming my way through the grocery store. Getting some items that I knew I loved and always willing to try some of their new items as well….like salted caramel mug cake or salted caramel hot cocoa.
The best part of Trader Joe’s is that I always leave spending actually less than I think I am going to spend! When does that happen….don’t we most of the time leave the grocery store thinking “I spent $100 on only 4 bags of groceries!” Our budget then becomes quickly traumatized for the next three weeks!
Many thanks to Christie J. and Jane B. for introducing me to Trader Joe’s around 13 years ago. I have shared the love with many of my friends and relatives over the years. I have been known to give walking tours of Trader Joe’s and point out their best tasting, best valued, and most unique items that I love. I have also been know to cry when they discontinue an item and get really happy when they bring it back. Every relationship has its ups and downs, so I am okay with a little inter-relational turmoil!
Although there is now a 3+ hours barrier to the pursuit of this relationship, I am determined to prioritize! It might not be monthly, but it will be more then every 5 months! Comment with your favorite Trader Joe’s item below!
You were the one to introduce me to Trader Joe’s…I still remember the guided tour on our first trip there together! I love their peanut butter, basmati rice and my new favorite is the salt and pepper potato chips. I could eat a whole bag in one sitting, they are so addicting!